XL Airways collapses leaving Irish passengers stranded
Friday, 12 September 2008
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There is bad news for some Irish holiday makers this morning after the collapse of one of the UK's biggest tour operators.
XL Leisure Group has grounded its fleet of XL Airways planes after failing to secure a multi-million euro rescue package.
The group operated a number of flights out of Ireland.
The Commission for Aviation Regulation says it is seeking to make arrangements to get customers home but it says that passengers who are booked to return home today should make their own arrangements.
David Clover from the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK says many more people have had their trips abroad cancelled.
'There's around 200,000 customers with advance bookings with XL tour operators,' he said.
'The advice to them is not to go to the airport' he added.
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I would like to reoly to shaun heyward, I had a holiday booked with Thomson for Christmas, and they reduced the size of the plane and i have my holiday taken after being booked since March. No compensation from Thompson Holidays, apparantely they can just change your airport i was Manchester and they only offered me Gatwick!! and told me it was my responsibility to get to Gatwick, so Thompsons can't help their own customers out let alone the poor people with XL airways, the travel industry is cut throat and the customer always comes off worse. Elaine Ashworth Manchester.
Posted by elaine | 12.09.08, 14:43 GMT
When is the goverment going to step in and stop all these airlines being alowed to take bookings knowing there are in trouble i like many others have lost our money because we payed for our flights cash.I think this is very unfair.
Posted by janet | 12.09.08, 13:19 GMT
Contact ATOL or ABTA and see how they can help!
Both Thomson and Monarch are trying to assist passengers who still want to get away.
If booking were made by a travel agent you will be protected by ABTA, if completed by credit card then VISA or Matercard will help!
You can also contact your insurance company who may be able to assist you.
Posted by Shaun Hayward | 12.09.08, 13:14 GMT
I am trying to get hold of the airline but with no joy if anyone has any luck with a number please post if on here.
I have got my grand parents in turkey and from what I can work out there not covered to come back can anyone help
Posted by shelly | 12.09.08, 11:52 GMT
has xl gone bust in all regions i.e manchester airport etc
Posted by kerry | 12.09.08, 09:35 GMT
I cannot believe that people who have booked direct with the company will not get a refund, I thought XL was Atol & Abta protected, What about all those people that have book there holiday direct with Kosmar, as they use there airline for all there destinations. And last year this is where Kosmar moved forward in going into Partnership with XL, what a mistake they made.
Posted by Laura | 12.09.08, 08:59 GMT